50th anniversary of the closing of Alcatraz prison

March 20, 2013

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed on March 21, 1963. During its 29 years as a prison it held some of America's most infamous criminals, some of whom tried desperately to escape "the Rock."

Associated Press

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Alcatraz warden James Johnston points to the door of the main cell block which kept rioting prisoners from escaping because a guard, held by the rioters, threw away the key. The riot ended on May 4, 1946.

Alcatraz warden James Johnston points to the door of the main cell block which kept rioting prisoners from escaping because a guard, held by the rioters, threw away the key. The riot ended on May 4, 1946.